We implore you on behalf of Christ,
be reconciled to God.
For our sake he made him to be sin who did not know sin,
so that we might become the righteousness of God in him.
In that one sentence from Saint Paul's Second Letter to the Corinthians we find the two seasons of Lent. We will seek to be reconciled with God during the first several weeks. And then, during Passiontide, we watch as he who did not know sin was made sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God.
Christianity offers a two-fold scandal to the world. First there is the scandal of the cross, that the Lord of Glory must suffer the ignominy of crucifixion. How can that possibly be a sign of hope, mercy or salvation? What good can come of such a spectacle. Despite the contradiction of this sign we insist upon it. The Holy Spirit will not let us abandon the mysterious, dark beauty at the heart of our faith. Saint Paul, in a fit of righteous anger, insisted that the cross would be abolished if the Galatians accepted circumcision along with their baptism.
During Lent we lift high the cross and consider how --or if -- we live within its shadow. A life without sacrifice for God, the Church and the well being of others is meaningless, as barren as a salt waste. Relationships that are always comfortable and mutually satisfying have shallow roots in reality. Work that never experiences a certain amount of futility and toil, that is only fun, satisfying and profitable, is suspect.
Secondly, speaking of scandal, we consider our failure to live by our own proclaimed beliefs. Even in the second century a Christian author observed, the whole world would be converted by now if Christians only lived by our faith. We have a choice and we make the wrong one -- consistently. During Lent we are haunted by the disciples' flight from the Garden, Peter's denial and Judas' betrayal because we know we would do, and indeed have done, the same thing. Where was I when they crucified my Lord?
During Lent the Church makes atonement for the scandal. Animated by the grace of God and encouraged by the Resurrection, we confess our sins. Our atonement can never be complete, of course. Only the Savior can accomplish that, but we want to do our part by prayer, fasting and works of charity.
If we cannot save ourselves by our Lenten efforts we can at least stand with Mary and John by the cross, unashamed of its scandal, atoning for our betrayal, and singing the praises upon which God is enthroned.
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.